Loss of Independence

One of the hardest things to accept is the loss of independence when chronically ill. I have never liked asking for help, and now sometimes left with no choice, the words almost choke me if I need to ask for assistance. It can be some small errand that has been waiting and put off time and again, simply because I can't see to it myself. Simply buying a birthday card and getting to the post office to send it, requires so much organising, that I have, much to the apologies to my family, been reduced to sending e-mail greetings instead. Having forgotten to write an item on the grocery list for my daughter, I might find I'm missing one ingredient, but stuck and unable to get to any shop, it's frustrating, so I have to get creative adjusting a recipe and make do with what is in the pantry. It's often the small trivial things that drive me to distraction. This morning is a prime example; my husband dressed me before he left for work, and my daughter disappeared like a lightening bolt as she was running late, so before I knew it I was all alone in the house (apart from our dog). Although our dog assists me in many ways, there are limitations even to her abilities. Once everyone had left, I suddenly realised I hadn't brushed my hair, and my arm still very painful, I was unable to manage this very basic mundane task myself. So here I sit, typing with one finger on my rigid left hand, with a mass of un-brushed hair, resembling someone who has been pulled through a hedge backwards. I only hope no body drops in unexpectedly today!
If you would like to take a look at The Huffington Post, you'll see my latest article. It's Friday once again and the weekend is upon us. I haven't been out the entire week, so from someone who has cabin fever and shipwrecked at home alone - it's over and out from me!